Monday, July 10, 2006

1. Use the patience you already have - v. 7 - "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." The farmer has enough patience to wait for harvest - doesn't expect immediate results - keep trials in perspective - this too shall pass2. Establish your heart - v. 8 - "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Be patient because Jesus is coming - whatever you're going through, it is temporary! Stablish = commitment - I will endure, because Jesus is coming soon3. Don't complain or become bitter - vs. 9,10 - "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." God never gives more than we can bear - He will sustain4. Don't quit - v. 11 - "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." Others have endured - so can you! Job didn't know the whole story, behind the scenes, Satan telling God that Job would curse him. We don't know the whole story - God has us under construction. God cares!5. Be careful how you speak during trials - v. 12 - "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." Control your words - suffering builds character, self-control